When Reginald Asare, a senior at University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, tells acquaintances his major, they usually act surprised and ask: “There is such a thing?”

His school prides itself on being the only one in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in construction management, a program that grooms future construction site supervisors for jobs with starting salaries of $55,000.

Many of the 85 students in the program were drawn to the major as a way to see tangible results of their labor — a house, skyscraper, mall or school — and to accomplish the job by working as a team.

Too often, people take construction for granted, students say, even though everyone benefits from it every day.

This story continues below
Advertisement

“It’s probably one of the largest parts of our gross national product,” said Chris Eccleston, a junior. “It’s incredible, the amount of labor and money is huge. And it’s a field that you can’t outsource. You need people in this country to do it, because of laws and safety regulations. We need Americans to do it and it’s a field that’s not going away.”

Students must complete two summer internships to graduate.

“We value the importance of experience to help the students get involved in the industry prior to graduation,” said Leon Copeland, chairman of the technology department. “They come back more inspired and more knowledgeable and with a better understanding of their job options.”

Students also learn how to build commercial buildings and privates homes according to a plan, work on a schedule, operate within a budget and ensure the safety of everyone on site.

kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com